Latest Update: EFCC Look Into 4 Ministers In The Buhari Administration. Four ministers who were part of the administration of former Preside...
Latest Update: EFCC Look Into 4 Ministers In The Buhari Administration.
Four ministers who were part of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari are being investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly engaging in a multibillion naira fraud plot. An estimated N187 billion was transferred across 143 bank accounts as part of a money laundering scheme allegedly planned by the former ministers.
In parallel, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, led by former Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk, is suspected of embezzling N37 billion. The EFCC has detained government contractor James Okwete in connection with this investigation.
A senior representative of the EFCC revealed that Okwete, the contractor, has given insightful information about Sadiya Umar-Farouk and former ministry directors-general. The probe is apparently looking at three additional former ministers for their possible involvement in corrupt activities totaling N150 billion, thus it goes beyond just Sadiya Umar-Farouk.
Attempts to elicit responses from Umar-Farouk proved fruitless, as her spokesperson, Nneka Nkem, was not accessible for remarks. According to sources, Sadiya Umar-Farouk and a few former directors general associated with the ministry might be arrested in light of the information provided by the collaborating contractor.
According to investigations, the N37.1 billion in question was moved from the Federal Government to 38 distinct bank accounts maintained by five established commercial banks connected to Okwete. The imprisoned contractor has been working with EFCC agents, providing information that links directors general and Sadiya Umar-Farouk to the financial theft.
Okwete's use of the money is revealed by documents, which show that he transferred money to Bureau De Change Operators, took cash out, bought expensive cars, and bought prime real estate in Abuja and Enugu State. Okwete has been associated with 53 firms, 47 of which have reportedly obtained contracts for N27,423,824,339.86 from the Federal Government.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesperson, declined to offer a statement on the subject. The inquiry is ongoing, and new information is expected to lead to possible measures down the road, including possible arrests.
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